Underwater Art Exhibition presented by Sunken Dreams Productions

Francesca Page

Marine Conservation Illustrator

Francesca’s project #200 Sharks developed and evolved from learning about how sharks are being threatened to extinction during her time as a Marine Conservationist, Divemaster and Illustrator. Every 60 seconds it is estimated that 200 sharks are lost due to man kind. On this journey Francesca is illustrating the beauty and diversity of this species, how they vary in shape, size, character and colour! Her aim to is raise awareness, create conversation and to project her passion for them onto others. To respect and to love, not to fear!

Chris Vyvyan-Robinson

Marine Conservation Photographer

Documenting the underwater world is Chris’ passion. As a Marine Conservationist, Dive Instructor and photographer, he interacts with many marine species as well as worked alongside marine experts and media companies including National Geographic, BBC, Canon and Universal. During this time, Chris has become fascinated by human-interest stories and relationships between man and the oceans’ unique species. Chris recently won a Royal Television Society Award for best Factual Documentary in 2017 for ‘Adapted Generation’ unearthing the changes of whale trade to whale tourism in the Azores.

Angelshark, 'Squatina squatina'

The Angelshark is well-adapted for camouflaging itself on the sea floor, the angelshark has a flattened form with enlarged pectoral and pelvic fins, giving it a superficial resemblance to a ray.

The angelshark is “Critically Endangered” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. A group of organizations is committed to regulating fisheries and protecting the species.

Blacktip Reef Shark, 'Carcharhinus melanopterus'

The Carcharhinus Limbatus, gets its name from the pointed snout and black tips on its fins (especially its dorsal fin). This is considered one of the most beautiful sharks in the Ocean and are seen often by divers since this species prefers shallow waters.

The black tip reef shark is “Near Threatened” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Bull Shark, 'Carcharhinus leucas'

The bull shark is also known as the zambezi shark. The reason why it is called “bull shark” refers to the short, sturdy form of its body that resembles a bull, and perhaps it is also due to its bullish behavior.

The bull shark is “Near Threatened” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Great Hammerhead Shark, 'Sphyrna mokarran'

All hammerhead sharks are easily recognized by the unique and striking head they have, which is the origin of their name in English (Hammerhead shark). In effect, hammerhead sharks have a 360 ° view, that is, they can see above and below them at the same time, which helps them to find food.

The great hammerhead shark is “Endangered” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Shortfin Mako, 'Carcharhinus longimanus'

‘Isurus oxyrinchus’ also is known as the blue pointer and bonito shark. It is a fast speed-swimming shark that has been called “the peregrine falcon of the sharks” in allusion to the fastest bird in the world.

The shortfin mako is “Vulnerable” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Tiger Shark, 'Galeocerdo cuvier'

Its name comes from the fact that it has dark stripes down its body. The tiger shark is a master of the tropical and subtropical waters of the world, because when looking for food, it is capable of feeding on almost anything.

The blue shark is “Near Threatened” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Whale Shark, 'Rhincodon typus'

Mysterious and majestic animals, whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. Ancient, harmless and elegant, they swim in the warm waters of our planet in search of tiny food. Let’s find out a little more about these gentle giants.

The whale shark is “Vulnerable” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Whitetip Reef Shark, 'Triaenodon obesus'

The ‘triaenodon obesus’ is one of the most frequent sharks in the Indo-Pacific. This slender species is easily spotted due to its curious, irregular, and waving swimming style and of course, the white tip on its dorsal fin.

The blue shark is “Near Threatened” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

90 Second Catch

#200 Sharks - A series by Francesca Page, presented by Sunken Dreams Productions

“Will you stand up for sharks? On average, 200 sharks are killed every 60 seconds, humans being their first ever predator since the dinosaurs. 90% of the world’s shark population has been wiped out in only a few decades, what we don’t realise is these toothed fish are one of the key components in keeping the ocean healthy and happy. No sharks, no ocean… no ocean, no us!” – Francesca Page

Mutual Respect

Martijn Schouten perhaps one of the leading experts of diving with blue sharks, put this 3 metre blue into tonic immobility. Tonic immobility is where the shark is turned upside down creating a pain-free, virtual paralysis. This gives divers the ability to remove broken fishing hooks for sharks that have been subjected to long-line/sport fishing.

CVR Photo 2

Martijn Schouten perhaps one of the leading experts of diving with blue sharks, put this 3 metre blue into tonic immobility. Tonic immobility is where the shark is turned upside down creating a pain-free, virtual paralysis. This gives divers the ability to remove broken fishing hooks for sharks that have been subjected to long-line/sport fishing.